Whats is ANJ in telecom?

Telecom & ICT
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Whats is ANJ in telecom?

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The Autonomous Network Journey (ANJ) is an initiative by TM Forum aimed at guiding communications service providers (CSPs) through the evolution towards fully autonomous networks. This journey encompasses multiple levels of network automation, from manual operations to full autonomy, with the objective of enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer experiences.

TM Forum has developed a comprehensive framework to support this transition, which includes:

  • Autonomous Networks Levels: A maturity model that defines six levels of network autonomy, from Level 0 (manual operations) to Level 5 (full autonomy). This model helps CSPs assess their current state and plan their progression towards higher levels of automation.
  • Key Effectiveness Indicators (KEIs): Metrics designed to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of autonomous network implementations, ensuring that automation efforts align with business objectives.
  • Target Architecture: A reference architecture that outlines the necessary components and their interactions within an autonomous network, providing a blueprint for implementation.
  • Autonomous Networks Map: A strategic tool that assists CSPs in planning and visualizing their journey towards network autonomy, identifying key milestones and required capabilities.

These resources are part of TM Forum’s broader Autonomous Networks Project, which aims to standardize and promote best practices for implementing autonomous networks across the telecommunications industry.

You can see more deatils here: TM Forum - Autonomous Networks (AN) Manifesto

By following the Autonomous Network Journey, CSPs can achieve:

  • Zero-Wait: Eliminating delays in service delivery and network responsiveness.
  • Zero-Touch: Minimizing the need for human intervention through automation.
  • Zero-Trouble: Proactively identifying and resolving issues to enhance reliability and customer satisfaction.

This strategic approach enables CSPs to adapt to the rapidly changing telecommunications landscape, meet evolving customer expectations, and capitalize on new business opportunities.

Several leading communications service providers (CSPs) have committed to TM Forum’s Autonomous Network Journey (ANJ) to advance their network automation capabilities :point_right: Leading global CSPs endorse TM Forum’s approach to autonomous networks

Notable examples include:

  • AIS (Thailand): AIS is utilizing TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture (ODA) and Autonomous Networks (AN) Framework to define its target architecture, aiming for Level 3 autonomy.

  • China Mobile: The company is targeting Level 4 autonomy by 2025 for most of its services, adopting a cross-layer approach aligned with the ODA and Open APIs.

  • MTN Group: As part of its Ambition 2025 Strategy, MTN is implementing AN across its operating companies, using TM Forum’s AN Framework and evaluation methodology.

  • Orange: Orange aims to achieve Level 4 autonomy for certain processes by 2025, utilizing TM Forum’s Autonomous Networks Business Requirements and Framework to automate network operations.

  • Telefónica: Launched in 2021, Telefónica’s Autonomous Network Journey (ANJ) strives for autonomy across the entire network and IT lifecycle, applying the strategy in its European and Latin American operations.

These CSPs are leveraging TM Forum’s frameworks and standards to enhance network resilience, agility, and efficiency, aiming to deliver zero-touch, zero-wait, and zero-trouble customer experiences.